Playing for Others http://www.playingforothers.org Just another WordPress weblog Wed, 10 Mar 2010 01:39:54 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 en hourly 1 Purchase Tickets http://www.playingforothers.org/2010/purchase-tickets http://www.playingforothers.org/2010/purchase-tickets#comments Tue, 09 Mar 2010 19:13:16 +0000 savvy http://www.playingforothers.org/?p=2310

“There’s A Monster In My Closet!” Performance:

Music Experience Concert & Songwriting Competition Finals:

]]> http://www.playingforothers.org/2010/purchase-tickets/feed 0 2009-2010 Sponsors http://www.playingforothers.org/2010/2009-2010-sponsors http://www.playingforothers.org/2010/2009-2010-sponsors#comments Mon, 08 Mar 2010 19:31:21 +0000 savvy http://www.playingforothers.org/?p=2277

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]]> http://www.playingforothers.org/2010/2009-2010-sponsors/feed 0 Announcements http://www.playingforothers.org/2010/check-out-our-first-ever-publicity-stunt http://www.playingforothers.org/2010/check-out-our-first-ever-publicity-stunt#comments Sat, 06 Mar 2010 17:31:29 +0000 savvy http://www.playingforothers.org/?p=2263


Celebrity Guest Dads revealed!
Songwriting Competition Finalists Announced
Visual Art Competition Finalists Announced

Check out our first ever publicity stunt!

]]> http://www.playingforothers.org/2010/check-out-our-first-ever-publicity-stunt/feed 0 A Parent’s Perspective: Pete Moore http://www.playingforothers.org/2010/a-parents-perspective-pete-moore http://www.playingforothers.org/2010/a-parents-perspective-pete-moore#comments Thu, 04 Mar 2010 04:32:40 +0000 savvy http://www.playingforothers.org/?p=2242

Star Trek, 19th century English Romanticism, and Bette Midler -
what’s it all got to do with PFO? A parent ponders.

 

by Pete Moore

 

“I’m a doctor, not a mechanic!” With the possible exception of “He’s dead, Jim,” this exasperated exclamation is the most famous line of dialogue uttered by Star Trek’s Dr. “Bones” McCoy.

Like Dr. McCoy, many of us are prone to assert what we are and what we are not. It’s easier to define ourselves by specific roles and specific capabilities-to set clear lines of demarcation around our identities-because doing so keeps us in our narrow comfort zones. For example, here are a few things I can declare about myself with relative certainty:

  • I’m not a doctor, and I don’t play one on TV. (Unlike Dr. McCoy, or the late DeForest Kelley, the actor who portrayed him.)
  • I’m not a poet, and I know it. (In fact, what I don’t know about 19th century English Romantic poet William Wordsworth could fill volumes.)
  • I’m not a fan of kitschy, sentimental power ballads, especially ones with seriously clichéd lyrics, like Bette Midler’s rendition of “The Wind Beneath My Wings.”

And yet …there’s something about Star Trek, William Wordsworth and “The Wind Beneath My Wings” that reminds me of PFO. Or at least my perspective on PFO as a parent of two teens in the program (Emily and Colin Moore).

Let’s take Star Trek for a moment. Dr. McCoy’s self-limiting self-image notwithstanding, the show was all about exceeding limits. Heck, the mission of the Starship Enterprise was “… to explore strange new worlds; to seek out new life and new civilizations; to boldly go where no man has gone before!” If that’s not teleporting outside your comfort zone, what is? Beam me up, Jen Band!

In the two years that Emily’s been a member, PFO has certainly taken her where she had never gone before. She admits that when she first considered joining PFO, a primary motivation was that many of her friends were involved. She wanted to see for herself what this “life-changing” experience was all about.

Well, what started as a curiosity was almost instantly transformed into a passion. As Emily described it in one of her college application essays, “I wasn’t prepared for the profound effect that PFO would have on me. It challenged me to become more responsible, accepting, outgoing, and independent. It taught me there is a clear distinction between idealism and action. In other words, don’t just think about change-create it.”

That’s the kind of thing that makes a parent feel both proud and humbled.

Colin, a grade behind Emily, joined PFO for the 2009-2010 year. It’s a little harder to get a glimpse through Colin’s window into PFO, since by nature he’s less spontaneously expressive than his sister. (Also, he hasn’t written as many college essays yet.)

Which is not to say Colin doesn’t express himself, because he most certainly does-through music, writing, acting, music, and humor. And music. But in the day-to-day, Colin tends to keep things close to the vest. That’s probably because, despite my best efforts, Colin has turned out a lot like me.

In fact, when I think of his passion for music, which mirrors my own, and how he is living it through the PFO Music Experience this year, I’m reminded of the classic 1968 debut album by Blood, Sweat & Tears, “The Child is Father to the Man.” (Do a Google image search for the album cover to see what I mean.) The title is actually a slightly misquoted line from a poem written by William Wordsworth in 1802:

My heart leaps up when I behold

    A rainbow in the sky:

So was it when my life began;

So is it now I am a man;

So be it when I shall grow old,

    Or let me die!

The Child is father of the Man;

And I could wish my days to be

Bound each to each by natural piety.

 

Well, my heart leaps up when I behold PFO, and when I think about how much it’s teaching Colin. And how much he’s teaching me. The child is father to the man, indeed.

By now you’re probably thinking: that’s all well and good, but what does it have to do with Bette Midler? Maybe not much. But after seeing Emily perform in “Honk!” last year, I was moved to write the following as my Facebook status:

 ”Today, Emily is my hero. (And so are the rest of the PFO teens.) (And Jen Band.) Congratulations and thank you for being a spark of light, hope and change in a world that desperately needs all three.”

To have children you see as heroes is a gift. So to Emily and Colin, I echo the words that Bette Midler sang in 1988:

Did you ever know that you’re my hero

And everything I would like to be?

I can fly higher than an eagle,

‘Cause you are the wind beneath my wings.

 

Corny? Yeah. Schmaltzy? Sure. But it’s my theory, and I’m sticking with it. (Even though quoting 1980s power ballads would otherwise be well outside my comfort zone.)

So there you have it-a free association of random thoughts from my scattered, Baby Boomerish brain. Personally, I like to look for connections between seemingly unrelated ideas. Those connections provide a kaleidoscopic lens through which to view the PFO experience. And the view is great.

In fact, connections may be what PFO is ultimately all about.

PFO connects our teens to something deeper, more generous, and more empathetic in themselves-a spirit of service that transcends the shallow narcissism of too much of today’s popular culture.

PFO connects with our family’s faith tradition, Unitarian Universalism, whose core principle of “the inherent worth and dignity of every person” finds its parallel in PFO’s values of inclusion and respect.

PFO connects us to our teens by engaging us in their amazing journey and allowing us to share in their growth and transformation.

PFO connects everyone who is touched by it.

 

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]]> http://www.playingforothers.org/2010/a-parents-perspective-pete-moore/feed 0 March Newsletter http://www.playingforothers.org/2010/march-newsletter http://www.playingforothers.org/2010/march-newsletter#comments Thu, 04 Mar 2010 04:31:14 +0000 savvy http://www.playingforothers.org/?p=2238

“Creating Change through the Power of the Arts”
Watch our monthly video!
Become a fan on Facebook!
Local celebrities take the stage with PFO teens
What happens when you ask local celebrities to guest star in a show about Monsters? Who knows! But we’re about to find out. PFO has lined up a different local celebrity for each performance of There’s a Monster in my Closet to play the role of “Dad”. (Read More)

A Parent’s
Perspective: Pete Moore
…there’s something about Star Trek, William Wordsworth and “The Wind Beneath My Wings” that reminds me of PFO. Or at least my perspective on PFO as a parent of two teens in the program (Emily and Colin Moore). (Read More)

Excited by what you read? Pass it on
to a friend…help us spread the PFO word!
Contact us: playingforothers@gmail.com
or 704.817.8052		 Art in Action

The other night I had a strange experience. I walked into one room and saw a 13 foot tall sculpture begin to take shape. I walked into another room and heard instruments like guitars, flute, sax, trombone, viola & cello all working together to create a unified sound. (Read More)

Songwriting Competition Finalists Announced

12 finalists have been chosen to perform live in front of a panel of judges and you the audience! On Saturday March 13th, teens from all over Charlotte will come together at 8:00 pm at the McGlohan Theatre. (Read More)

Visual Art Competition Finalists Announced

At 10:30 am on March 20th at Amelie’s French Bakery & Café, the 10 finalists for the Visual Art Competition will be on display. Those in attendance will be able to vote on “Audience Favorite” and see the winner of the juried art show receive $250 and the honor of “Best in Show”. (Read More)
]]> http://www.playingforothers.org/2010/march-newsletter/feed 0 PFO Monthly Promo: March http://www.playingforothers.org/2010/pfo-monthly-promo-march http://www.playingforothers.org/2010/pfo-monthly-promo-march#comments Thu, 04 Mar 2010 04:11:46 +0000 savvy http://www.playingforothers.org/?p=2239

]]> http://www.playingforothers.org/2010/pfo-monthly-promo-march/feed 0 Local celebrities take the stage with PFO teens http://www.playingforothers.org/2010/local-celebrities-take-the-stage-with-pfo-teens http://www.playingforothers.org/2010/local-celebrities-take-the-stage-with-pfo-teens#comments Wed, 03 Mar 2010 17:34:03 +0000 jen http://www.playingforothers.org/?p=2215 What happens when you ask local celebrities to guest star in a show about Monsters? Who knows! But we’re about to find out. PFO has lined up a different local celebrity for each performance of There’s a Monster in my Closet to play the role of “Dad”. Arriving a mere hour before the show, dads will quickly learn their part and join the cast as they sing and dance their way through the hilarious, touching story of a little girl named Emily who comes face to face with her closet monster for the first time. So join us live and see what happens when a local celebrity becomes a part of the PFO family…literally!

Peter Gorman ▪ Mike Collins ▪ Harry Swimmer ▪ James Campbell ▪ Pat McCrory ▪ Mike Whitehead ▪ Michael Marsicano ▪ Jeff Elder ▪ Mayor Anthony Foxx

 

Friday, March 12th 7:30 pm

Peter Gorman

Peter C. Gorman, Ed.D., has more than two decades of experience in education. He has been superintendent of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools since July 2006.

Gorman, a native of Dearborn, Michigan, began his educational career in Orlando, Florida, in 1987 after graduating from Michigan State University with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. He worked as a teacher, principal and administrator in Orange and Seminole counties before being named superintendent of schools in Tustin, California, in 2001.

He holds a master’s in business administration from Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida, and a master’s and doctorate in education from the University of Central Florida. Gorman is active in the Charlotte community, serving on the boards of several agencies and organizations. He is also a member of several national advisory boards for public education.

Gorman and his wife, Sue, an interior designer and community volunteer, have one daughter who attends a CMS middle school.

 

Saturday, March 13th 3:00 pm

Mike Collins

For 11 years, Mike Collins has been host of Charlotte Talks, a daily, award-winning hour-long talk show on 90.7 WFAE. He also finds time to appear regularly as an actor on area stages. Favorite roles include John Wilkes Booth in Assassins, John Adams in 1776, Julian Marsh in CPCC Summer Theatre’s 42nd Street and Werner Heisenberg in Copenhagen at Charlotte Repertory Theatre where he also appeared in The Exact Center of the Universe, Psychopathia Sexualis, and Drop Dead (directed by Olympia Dukakis). He directed CPCC Summer Theatre’s recent production of South Pacific as well as area productions of Gypsy, and Oliver!, and recently directed, produced and appeared in The Blumenthal Performing Arts Center’s production of Charlotte Squawks: 6 Degrees of Desecration.

Mike is also President and Creative Director of Collins, Haynes & Lully Advertising.

 

Sunday, March 14th 3:00 pm

Harry Swimmer

His family’s love of horses, a philanthropic spirit, and a curiosity about life’s next ventures, turned out to be the fate-filled formula that triggered Harry Swimmer to investigate therapeutic riding programs. But it was witnessing the transformation when placing a friend’s seven year old disabled daughter onto a horse that propelled Harry and Marylin Swimmer to convert their family farm into Mitey Riders. After a successful insurance career, Harry turned the management of Swimmer Insurance Agency over to his son and returned to his alma mater, Penn State, to undergo training in therapeutic riding. Today, Mitey Riders offers equine assisted therapy to over 70 families with special needs children, at no cost. Consistent with garnering programs to serve the community, Harry was also instrumental in bringing Shalom Park (JCC) to the Charlotte community.

 

Wednesday, March 17th 7:30 pm

James Campbell

With a B.S. Business Administration as well as a Master in Education Curriculum & Instruction, James has been a part of the Human Service industry for over 10 years. For the past 4 years, he has been with Easter Seals United Cerebral Palsy also teaching Marketing/Business Education courses at the high school level. James has been married for 23 years to the same woman : ), with 3 wonderful kids. The oldest is a student-athlete at Davidson College, his daughter will be attending Methodist University this fall and his youngest son will be a senior and the starting quarter back for Kannapolis A.L.Brown High School. James enjoys reading about ancient cultures and religions, in addition to fishing and listening to all kinds of jazz. He espeically loves the piano, saxophone and violin.

 

Thursday, March 18th 7:30 pm

Pat McCrory

Pat McCrory joined Moore & Van Allen as its Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives in 2010. Mr. McCrory focuses on helping new and existing clients develop strategic initiatives in dealing with complex and sustainable policies which are important to both the public and private sector.

Both Charlotte, North Carolina, and Mr. McCrory gained national prominence during his historic seven term leadership tenure as the Mayor of Charlotte (1995-2009). Charlotte became an economic hub in transportation, banking, manufacturing, energy and travel/tourism bringing thousands of new jobs to the region. Mr. McCrory implemented innovative and sustainable transportation and land use plans that have been touted nationally as success templates for other cities and municipalities.

Mr. McCrory also served as Chairman of the US Conference of Mayors’ Energy and Environmental Committee. In 2003, he was appointed to the National Homeland Security Advisory Board by President Bush which he served on for three years. As an expert on municipal issues, Mr. McCrory has testified in front of Congress and is a frequent guest on national broadcast and cable news shows. He is also a full time co-host of a local NBC weekly news show. Mr. McCrory is frequently asked to consult with other cities and participate in policy development with prominent national think tanks.

McCrory was awarded an honorary doctorate degree from Catawba College in 2001.

 

Saturday, March 19th 7:30 pm

Mike Whitehead

Mike Whitehead is the founder and CEO of Whitehead Associates Inc, a consulting firm specializing in developing leaders and performance-focused cultures. Mike has designed and delivered consulting engagements to many organizations, including Fortune 500 companies like Time Warner Cable, Harris Teeter, Springs Industries, Duke Energy, Carolina Tractor and Keynote Corporation, among others.

Mike has also served as a consultant, facilitator or speaker to countless community and non-profit audiences such as Leadership Charlotte, Mecklenburg County BAR’s Leadership Institute, Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools, The Forum for Corporate Conscience, North Carolina Association of CPA’s, Charlotte Regional Real Estate Association. He has served as board member of several organizations including the Dowd YMCA, Jacob’s Ladder Job Center, and the Alexander Youth Network, among others. Currently he serves as a board member for the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce, Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools’ Parent University, and Queens University School of Education, and is recognized for providing his services pro-bono to many community organizations.

A vital and balanced quality of life plays a major role in Mike Whitehead’s personal life as well as his practice. He has been married for 22 years to Beth Murray Whitehead and has two teenage children of whom he is ‘most proud.’ Mike enjoys skydiving and real estate investing, and it is not unusual for him to begin his day with a five or six-mile jog, an early morning basketball game, yoga, or a 5:00 a.m. motorcycle ride.

 

Saturday, March 20th 3:00 pm

Michael Marsicano

Michael Marsicano is President and CEO of Foundation For The Carolinas, a community foundation which distributes $100 million in grants annually. Prior to joining the Foundation, he served as President and CEO of the Arts and Science Council in Charlotte. Michael is a native of New York and has three degrees from Duke University. He is married to the Reverend Leslie Montfort Marsicano (Assistant Dean for Academic Administration at Davidson College) and they have three sons, Chris, Jamie and David. Michael enjoys traveling, reading, spending time with this family, and gardening. Playing For Others has a special place in his heart and that of his son Jamie who is committed to the mission of the organization.

 

Saturday, March 20th 7:30 pm

Jeff Elder

Jeff Elder is the social community manager for Lowe’s Home Improvement, and formerly a columnist at The Charlotte Observer.

 

Sunday, March 21st 3:00 pm

The Honorable Anthony Foxx, Mayor of Charlotte


Anthony Foxx, a Democrat, is Mayor of the City of Charlotte. He began his political career in 2005 with his election to City Council as an At-Large representative and served two terms before being elected Mayor in 2009.

As a Council member he chaired the Transportation Committee and was a member of the Economic Development and Planning. He was Council’s representative to the Charlotte Mecklenburg Development Corporation and the Metropolitan Planning Organization.

Foxx has been a member of the Mecklenburg County Education Budget Advisory Committee since 2002. He has served on the boards of the Mecklenburg County Bar Foundation, Community School of the Arts, YMCA Camp Thunderbird, Trust for Public Land (Carolinas Region), and Focus on Future leaders.

He has been recognized as one of the Charlotte Business Journal’s “40 under 40″ and is a recipient of the North Carolina Bar Association’s Citizen Lawyer Award.

Mayor Foxx received his Bachelor’s degree in history from Davidson College and his Law degree from New York University School of Law. He is a member of the Mecklenburg County Bar and a graduate of its Leadership Institute.Prior to joining Hunton & Williams law firm, he served as a law clerk for the United States Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, a trial attorney for the Civil Rights Division of the United States Department of Justice, and a staff counsel to the United States House of Representatives Committee on the Judiciary.

He and his wife, Samara, have two children.

 

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]]> http://www.playingforothers.org/2010/local-celebrities-take-the-stage-with-pfo-teens/feed 0 Visual Art Competition Finalists Announced http://www.playingforothers.org/2010/visual-art-competition-finalists-announced http://www.playingforothers.org/2010/visual-art-competition-finalists-announced#comments Wed, 03 Mar 2010 17:30:19 +0000 jen http://www.playingforothers.org/?p=2210 At 10:30 am on March 20th at Amelie’s French Bakery & Café, the 10 finalists for the Visual Art Competition will be on display.  Those in attendance will be able to vote on “Audience Favorite” and see the winner of the juried art show receive $250 and the honor of “Best in Show”.  In addition, we have invited local artists to join the PFO family and submit pieces to help us with our fundraising efforts.  Several of those artists will be in attendance to meet and greet audience members and support the work that PFO is all about.  At the centerpiece of this event of course, will be the PFO teen sculpture.  There’s no ticket fee, all pieces will be for sale, so come on by, grab a yummy bite from Amelie’s and admire the beautiful art around you.  Who could ask for a better Saturday morning?


Ticket to Somewhere
Bailey Barger


The Nature Times
April Hausle


Alice
Sophie Mercer


Untitled
Chandler Field


Tournesol
Bethany Galloway


2009: Year In Review
Hadley Parker


Boro Exposed
Steven Darden


Untitled
Krystina Holquin


Innocent Sin
Allison Morris


Untitled
Anna Gaeckle

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]]> http://www.playingforothers.org/2010/visual-art-competition-finalists-announced/feed 0 Songwriting Competition Finalists Announced http://www.playingforothers.org/2010/songwriting-competition-finalists-announced http://www.playingforothers.org/2010/songwriting-competition-finalists-announced#comments Wed, 03 Mar 2010 17:25:43 +0000 jen http://www.playingforothers.org/?p=2205 12 finalists have been chosen to perform live in front of a panel of judges and you the audience! On Saturday March 13th, teens from all over Charlotte will come together at 8:00 pm at the McGlohan Theatre to enjoy live music from some talented teens and check out feature performances by PFO teens involved in the Music Experience. Want to join us? Click here for tickets.


Always Remain: Kelly Seidel


Bees: Leah Taub


Driver Driver: Anna Boekelheide


Fast and Free: Alex Kastanas, Jenny Cousar, Josh Turner, Carson McKee, Lauren Phelps, Hannah Ignasher

(Written by Alex Kastanas & Jenny Cousar)


Love: Max DePietro and Ben Millhouse


Next Second: Lil Sherm


Paper Mâché: Michaela Amato and Steven Gilmore


Philanthropy for Misanthropes: Jacob Huffman

(Written by Jacob Huffman & Hannah Baartmans)


Rainy Day: Larkin Dodgen


Tumbling Down: Armonia

Armonia: Kaitlin Thomas and Maggie Newton


The Ride: NOS

NOS: Michael Rasile, Sam Sergi, Natalie Myrick (Written by Tim Abrams, Michael Rasile, Sam Sergi, Natalie Myrick, Brendan Mcardle)


Today Won’t Last Forever:
Kayla Phillips, Emily Covert, Liz Collins, and Ben Murphy

(Written by Emily & Kayla)

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]]> http://www.playingforothers.org/2010/songwriting-competition-finalists-announced/feed 0 Art in Action http://www.playingforothers.org/2010/art-in-action http://www.playingforothers.org/2010/art-in-action#comments Wed, 03 Mar 2010 17:21:34 +0000 jen http://www.playingforothers.org/?p=2201 The other night I had a strange experience.  I walked into one room and saw a 13 foot tall sculpture begin to take shape.  I walked into another room and heard instruments like guitars, flute, sax, trombone, viola & cello all working together to create a unified sound.  At the same time in another room, teens were bringing a touching story to life.  It was amazing! All around me art was happening and while they were perfecting their own skills and following their individual passions, ultimately it wasn’t about them.  It was about using art to celebrate acceptance and inclusion.  How cool is that!?!

 So take a look at the slideshows below and see not only some amazing art in action, but some teens who believe in something a little bit bigger :)

Theatre

Music

Art


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